Eisele Vineyard Altagracia Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

97 points                                                         Limited new Altagracia Red from cult producer Eisele Vineyard  One of Napa Valley's cult producers this is always a limited release. 97 Points James Suckling: "Intense aromas of black fruit, cocoa powder, black olives, dried violets, tar and cigar box. Some black peppercorn, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Incredible intensity and purity of fruit with gorgeous breadth and depth. Superb, new-wave Napa red. 80% cabernet sauvignon, the rest mostly Cabernet Franc with a hit of Petit Verdot." 96 points Robert Parker: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia charges out of the gate with exuberant notions of black raspberries, wild blueberries, freshly crushed blackcurrants and kirsch with touches of candied violets, bay leaves, tilled soil and forest floor plus a hint of dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a fantastic texture of rock-solid, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the energetic black and blue fruits, finishing long and savory." ...2018 is the 20th release of Altagracia. While the blend has evolved over the years, the 2018 vintage is a prime example of the "new" Altagracia, now representing the Eastern blocks of Eisele Vineyard (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot). Reflecting a long and mild growing season, the wine is very refined and clearly built to age.  This famous estate tucked away in northeastern Napa Valley in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains is now fully controlled, in both a viticultural and winemaking standpoint, by Château Latour’s François Pinault and his general manager Frédéric Engerer. The new releases include their second wine, the Altagracia."

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